The provision of health services, including specialist medical services, to rural and remote communities may require a different approach to the increasingly sub-specialised, centralised and consumer-orientated systems prevailing in urban centres. The close links between health services and viability of communities introduces an additional political dimension to health planning in these settings. New models of care and new technologies will require specific training for rural settings. International experience must be used to mutual benefit in developing services of appropriate standard, which comply with local needs and are staffed by appropriately trained, supported and accredited clinicians.
